Requirements

1. Your program meets the ICCPR definition of a CR program (i.e., phase II outpatient program, in a low-resource setting, offering at least initial assessment, structured exercise [supervised or unsupervised] and at least one other strategy to control risk factors) as per the protocol found here. Note that home-based programs are eligible.

2. Pay application fee (amount below).

3. Preferably your country is represented on ICCPR council through an association or “friend” member (see list here); if not at time of application you will be asked if there is a relevant professional association that may wish to consider joining ICCPR or if not, whether you or a colleague would be interested in being a “friend” of ICCPR, as per our terms). The purpose is to formalize communication with ICCPR throughout the duration of the term your program may be certified, and to promote currency in best practices as espoused by ICCPR.

4. At least one member of your CR program staff has their ICCPR Cardiac Rehab Foundations Certification (CRFC; click here).

5. You can elect to be considered for ICCPR Program Certification through registry participation or a non-registry stream (for the latter, your program must be operational for at least 12 months). If your program has / is participating in the ICCPR’s International Cardiac Rehab Registry (ICRR; if not, you can sign up by completing the online survey here):

a. Programs must not have outstanding data quality or completeness issues raised by the ICRR.

b. Post-program / progress data must be provided for a minimum of 4 months as well as post-program /progress data on at least 60 consecutive consenting patients submitted  (regardless of program completion / dropout).

6. Participation in a minimum 2-hour virtual site visit with ICCPR Program Certification assessor(s), where facilities and services can be observed, using a tablet or laptop for mobility and screen size; mobile phones are insufficient. You will need high-speed, wireless internet at your centre. Your device requires a functioning video camera (external USB web cam or integrated), and should be fully charged at the time of the site visit. You will need to be in a fairly quiet space throughout the duration of the virtual site visit. Ensure good sound though the microphone and speaker. The device should be mobile such as on a cart on wheels, so we can have a tour of the gym and facilities as applicable (sound on one device only if applicable to mitigate echo or audio feedback). It is preferable all your staff are present, but a minimum of 2 different disciplines are required on-site. The site visit will be arranged during your center hours of operation, so we can also potentially interact with willing patients. You will also need to be able to share your screen so we can see patient education materials etc., and be ready to talk about some random registry patient IDs (anonymously), so have your charts handy.

Note the certification assessment is generally conducted in English, and thus all materials should be provided in English (or the assessors will use an online translator if necessary). However, some assessors are proficient in other languages, so please let us know whether you would like us to determine if we can secure an assessor in another language for your assessment.

Fees

The non-registry stream application fees are $500USD for publicly-funded programs in LMIC; the fee for all other programs is $900USD.

The registry stream application fees for 3-year certification are as follows (in USD):

*Based on World Bank.

The re-attempt fee (where all materials / are not available during the site visit, or programs are close to meeting 70% of the quality standards) is 50% of the initial application fee, and the re-certification fee is 70% (valid also for 3 calendar years from date of re-certification).

The application, re-attempt and re-certification fees may be revised annually by the ICCPR Steering Committee (e.g., 3% increase / year). The fees cover the cost of administering the certification program (i.e., pending availability of funds and number of assessors, a stipend of $150USD is provided for each virtual site assessment upon completion of the certification process via Paypal), and registry maintenance; this is a not-for-profit initiative.

Unfortunately, it would be a rare circumstance where the fee could be reduced. Fees cannot be paid in installments. Fees will not be returned if a site visit does not proceed or if certification is not granted (but see re-attempt process and fee). Materials will not be considered until fees are received.